Democratic Challenger

Cap-and-trade strategy is superior to a carbon tax

A: I support a sensible 'cap and trade' policy that establishes national greenhouse gas emission limits and
projects those limits for at least 30 years to provide a stable marketplace for research, development and commercialization of appropriate technologies. A 'cap and trade' strategy is superior to a carbon tax in that it is globally scalable.

We need coal and oil for energy independence

Q: Do you support replacing coal and oil with alternatives?

A: Oppose. I support alternatives in the long run, but we cannot achieve sustainable energy independence without coal and oil. It is vital that we find ways to increase our domestic energy
production and efficiency, including expanding coal production for 'coal to liquids', developing renewables and nuclear power, and extending our power grid and energy storage capacity. Instead of our current haphazard approach to energy policy, I believe
we must create a 50 year comprehensive energy road map that targets an end to our dependence on foreign oil within 10 years. We must implement a 'cap and trade' program for CO2 emissions, ensure minimal impact resource development, support carbon
capture and sequestration programs, and encourage development and use of energy efficient technologies to reduce the environmental impacts that occur as a result of our growing energy needs.

Make Wyoming a leader in energy policy

Energy is very dear to Wyoming, yet the federal government that we are counting on to develop a comprehensive energy policy, steeped in scientific and technical nuances, which will meet our needs for the 21st century. And they haven't done it. We need a
comprehensive solution that leverages all of our resources--coal, oil, gas, wind, solar, nuclear--to meet our growing energy demand, eliminate our dependence on foreign oil, and reduce our greenhouse gas and other emissions. As a Chemical Engineer,
I know this can be done, and it can be done in a manner that stimulates our economy, reduces the trade deficit, and benefits US and Wyoming industry, the environment, and our national security. Wyoming is a leader in energy production. But in Washington,
we have been deferential to the will of others. We diligently produce coal, oil, and gas, and let the other states sort out the political details. If you send me to Washington, I will make Wyoming a leader in energy policy--not just energy production.

Leverage all resources--coal, oil, gas, wind, solar, nuclear

There are zero scientists in the Senate. Zero PhDs. One engineering degree. And 60 lawyers. Energy is very dear to the state of Wyoming, yet this is the group that we are counting on to develop a comprehensive energy policy, steeped in scientific and
technical nuances, which will meet our needs for the 21st century. And they haven't done it. They've had ample time and opportunity, but we are no closer to ending our dependence on foreign oil than we were in the 1970s.
We need a comprehensive solution that leverages all of our resources--coal, oil, gas, wind, solar, nuclear--everything we've got, to meet our growing energy demand, eliminate our dependence on foreign oil, and simultaneously reduce our greenhouse gas
and other emissions. As a Chemical Engineer, I know this can be done, and it can be done in a manner that stimulates our economy, reduces the trade deficit, and benefits U.S. & Wyoming industry, the environment, and our national security.